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Author
Topic: New to this site (Read 3413 times)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi, I'm new to this site. I have an adopted son who will turn 2 August 30. His birthmother was HIV & Hep C +. When we met him in the NICU his initial tests were negative and he was getting AZT prophylactic. He was premature somewhere between 28-31 weeks gestation and weighed 3# 3.5 oz. At about a month while still in the NICU he became very anemic. Before transfussing him they tested him again and he was still negative. I was told that it was unlikely with two negative tests that he would become +. After 48 days in the NICU he was well enough to come home. He did well and gained 1 # in the first week home. Our pediatrician sent us to an infectious disease doctor right away to be sure everything was done right. The ID examined Lucas and said he felt that Lucas was negative but ran tests again. This time he had a detectable viral load. His viral load skyrocketed between his initial test, confirmatory test and test at the start of medication (~1mo time). Fortunately he responded to the cocktail and quickly became undetectable and stayed that way. His CD4 has always been normal. Once he was over 18mo. we confirmed he does not have Hep C. Lucas also has Cerebral Palsy but has done amazingly with therapy. His deficits are so slight most people would not notice now. He is a bright, loving, happy child and I'm lucky to be his mom. I want to do what is best for him. If there is anyone that has an HIV+ child that could give me tips I would appreciate it. I'd also love to hear from anyone living with HIV who can give me advice. Thank you.